Subject: Chgs - early Jeruselem Church structure? |
Bible Note: Hi Flying_V Gods day to you, and welcome. Let me see, if memory serves, these two should fill the bill. These would constitute the hierarchy of the church, and why there is such a structure set in place. 1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Eph 4:11 11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. The structure is Ordained of God. How you might ask? 2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: The mere fact God inspired the writing of the Bible, means that He had the words written that you have just read, HE set His structure in it's place for His Church. Without a specific structure in the church, there would be chaos, anarchy, and that is something God would not condone within His church. Are you unaware, that God Himself set up a structure, which is to be found in the Universe, and Nature? God set up a structure for the Angels, then when He created the Earth He placed Man as the supreme being over all of His creation. Our God is a God of "ORDER," Satan is the author of "CONFUSION," without a specific structure set down by God Himself there would be no church. To fight against the structure to be found within the Church, is to fight against God Himself. Last of all, look at all of the countries of the world, they all have a government, the most crucial element in any government is authority, in this you see the structure, hierarchy. Be ever mindful, that "ALL" authority comes from God, He makes Kings to both rise, and fall, to fulfil His purposes in the Earth. He does the same with the government of the church. Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hope this clears things up for you lightedsteps |